Ever wondered about keeping bees but been put off by the expensive equipment and the complicated processes involved?
Take a look at ‘Natural Beekeeping’. It is an uncomplicated, easy to use method which focused on bee welfare.
You should leave this weekend course with enough knowledge and confidence to set up a top-bar hive, populate it with bees and care for them throughout their first season with you. It is a simple, practical way to have healthy and happy bees in your garden, with the possibility of your own honey harvest, but without the cost and complications associated with conventional beekeeping.
This beginners’ course is intended for people with no previous knowledge of bees or beekeeping, and will provide you with all the information you need to decide if, when and how you will take up ‘natural bee-keeping’.
Over the weekend John will discuss:

Principles of Natural Beekeeping

Introducing bees

Life cycle of the colony

Hints and tips to help you build your top-bar hive

Baiting a hive

Basic swarm catching

Feeding

Observation

Pests, diseases and the role of the Bee Inspector

And if you have any questions, bring them along.

If possible – weather permitting – we will spend some time with bees in a hive, so please bring suitable clothing; at least a hat and veil, or a beekeeping suit if you prefer (some simple smocks will be available to borrow for those who don’t want to commit yet).